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Rolls Royce Ghost Officially Revealed

Packs 563 bhp and 780 Nm of torque

After months of teasing, Rolls Royce has officially unveiled the 2010 Ghost.

Looking virtually identical to the 200EX Concept, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, the Ghost blends classic Rolls Royce design themes with modern style. The front end is dominated by a large sloping grille, which is meant to resemble a jet intake, and slim Xenon headlights. Moving further back, the profile reveals massive rearview mirrors, suicide doors (coach doors in RR speak), and a subtle lower character line. At the rear, there are LED taillights, optional chrome exhaust tips, and hints of a "Bangle butt" (although it was designed by Ian Cameron). For maximum street presence, a contrasting Silver Satin paint finish can be applied to the hood, grille and windscreen surround.

As one would expect, the interior is luxurious and decidedly elegant. When a driver enters the cabin, they are greeted by loads of leather, chrome detailing, "violin key" switches, frosted instrument dials, and plenty of wood trim. Further conveniences include four-zone automatic air conditioning (with condensation prevention and solar compensation) and individual lounge seating with massage, heating, and cooling.

If that's not luxurious enough, Rolls Royce offers lambswool floor mats, a panorama sunroof, veneered picnic tables, and a cool box with integrated champagne glasses. The company also offers a "theatre configuration" that includes two 9.2-inch LCD screens (mounted in back of the front seats) and a glovebox-mounted six-disc multi-media changer.

In terms of technology, the Ghost is packed with all the latest developments. A comfort entry (aka passive entry) system unlocks the doors as you approach, a series of cameras (rear, front side and top) help you park, and a night vision system (with pedestrian recognition) helps you see in the dark. Other techno goodies include a head-up display, a lane departure warning system (that vibrates the steering wheel if you leave a lane without signaling), high beam assistance (automatically adjusts headlight settings for optimum lighting), and active cruise control with stop & go technology.

Power comes from a brand new 6.6-liter turbocharged V12 engine with 563 bhp (420 kW / 570 PS) and 780 Nm (575 lb ft) of torque. Backed up by an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, the Ghost accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds) before hitting a limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). If you're worried about fuel consumption, you'll be happy to know the Ghost averages 13.6 l/100km in combined cycle (20.8 mpg).

Based on the BMW 7-Series, the Ghost measures 5399mm (212.6 inches) in length with a 3295mm (129.7 inches) wheelbase, 1948mm (76.7 inches) in width, and 1550mm (61 inches) in height. The luxury sedan rides on an advanced air suspension that features multi-link aluminum front and rear axles, Active Roll Stabilization, and Variable Damping Control.

Set to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Ghost will be priced from £165,000 (UK), €213,000 (in Europe), $245,000 (US) and $250,000 USD virtually everywhere else.

Autumn 2006, Paris motor show: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced that work had begun on a new model series. The new car would be in production and on sale by the turn of the decade. The only other facts confirmed at that stage were that it would be smaller than the Phantom saloon and priced somewhere between €200,000 and €300,000 before tax. Speculation about its style and specification began almost immediately...

Little was seen of the new car, codenamed RR4, until the spring of 2008, when Rolls-Royce released the first official sketches. The styling was instantly recognisable as a Rolls-Royce, although less traditional than previous models. At the time Chief Designer, Ian Cameron, said,“The RR4 has a more informal presence than the Phantom models with a greater emphasis on driving. In design terms this is expressed through its slightly smaller dimensions, yet with powerful, purposeful proportions. It is a true and uncompromising Rolls-Royce in every sense.”

As sightings of secret development models on the road increased, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled 200EX, the experimental forerunner to Ghost, at the Geneva motor show in March 2009. An instant hit, 200EX bore the trademark Rolls-Royce design cues but in altogether more compelling fashion. It was a clear statement of intent.

What the design team was seeking to create was a modern Rolls-Royce that achieved a new dynamism but remained true to its luxurious heritage. They had found inspiration in contemporary furniture, architecture and yachts but also in the spirit of the 1930s – that sense of adventure and endeavour – which they wanted to capture in the character of this new car.

“200EX is a modern execution of timeless Rolls-Royce elegance, breaking with some areas of tradition but retaining the core values that make our marque unique,” said Chief Executive Officer Tom Purves. “We expect the more informal design to broaden the appeal of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, attracting people who appreciate its fusion of refinement, new technology and contemporary style.”

After the show, 200EX embarked on a world tour, during which further information about the forthcoming production model became available. It would be powered by a new 6.6 litre V12 unique to the marque, delivering 563 bhp with extraordinary performance figures. It would ride on an intelligent air suspension system offering peerless ride and dynamics. And it would be called Ghost.

“Ghost is one of the most revered names in automotive industry,” said Tom Purves. “It evokes images of adventure and technical innovation. The first cars to bear the Ghost name were known not only for impressive dependability and refinement but also great flair and style.”

Following the overwhelmingly positive reaction to 200EX during its travels, very few changes were made in the transition to the production Ghost – a tribute to the remarkable achievements of Ian Cameron’s and Helmut Riedl’s design and engineering teams.

In September 2009, the new Rolls-Royce Ghost was formally launched to the world.

Ghost’s flowing lines are dominated by its majestic ‘Yacht Line’ styling. Large, uninterrupted surfaces flow between finely sculpted horizontal lines that provide definition. Together, the upward-sweeping sill line and low-cut roof create a powerful profile, almost as though the cabin has been pushed toward the rear. Powerful shoulders and flanks draw in sharply as they flow from the rear wings to the tail lights, while touches such as the optional chromed exhausts hint at Ghost’s more dynamic nature.

While incorporating classic Rolls-Royce design cues – the elevated prow, long bonnet, short front overhang, sharply raked A-pillar and elegant tail – Ghost exudes an informal aura. Contemporary touches include self-righting wheel centres and the Xenon headlamps that frame the latest evolution of the Rolls-Royce grille. Here the sides of the intake have been curved inwards and the vanes set back into the opening. “We wanted this to be less reminiscent of the traditional Parthenon style and more like a jet intake,” says Ian Cameron. A contrasting Silver Satin finish (introduced on 200EX) is an option for the bonnet, grille and windscreen surround. The finish is achieved by setting silver metallic paint under a layer of lacquer, giving a flawless matte finish.

The central principle of delivering simplicity out of complexity runs throughout Ghost. Everything is designed, engineered and crafted to enhance the drive and ride experience, not to complicate it.

“Ghost is as refined and cosseting as anything this marque has ever produced.” Charles Coldham, Interior Designer

Inside Ghost, the interior design team has come up with a contemporary ambience while staying true to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ traditions of fine materials and peerless comfort. There are elegant, frosted lamps and chrome door handles, traditional violin key switches and eyeball air vents, frosted white dials and refined instrumentation. Deep-pile carpets can be complemented by optional lambswool floor mats for a truly luxurious feel. Ghost is entered through substantial doors. Housed within the front doors are integrated Teflon-coated umbrellas. The rear doors are traditional, rear-hinged coach doors, opening to a generous 83 degrees. Once the passenger is inside, these doors can be closed at the touch of a button. The interior space is filled with natural light, enhanced by the optional Panorama Sunroof, which extends from the front into the rear compartment. Four-zone automatic air conditioning can be individually tailored to each passenger’s requirements, with separate controls for front and rear. Automatic air recirculation, condensation prevention and solar compensation are delivered through classic chromed eyeball vents controlled via organ-stop plungers.

Within Ghost’s ample doors and high shoulder line, occupants feel serene, cosseted and safe. In the rear, the intimate ambience of the lounge seat is emphasised by its position behind the C-pillar, heightening the sense of privacy. The informal seating creates a convivial environment, its slight curve allowing you to turn more easily towards the person next to you. Its elevated position gives a clear view past the electronically retracting Spirit of Ecstasy to the road ahead.

Individual lounge seating is offered as an alternative to the standard lounge configuration. This allows the addition of a massage function and also perforated leather for a cooling stream of air from the seat surface. Auxiliary rear climate control allows the passenger to regulate the temperature of the air on their side of the car, without intrusion on the other. A cool box with interior illumination and integrated champagne glasses is also available.

Veneered picnic tables are another option, incorporating the finest leather and veneers matched to the rest of Ghost’s interior. Fitted to the rear of each front seat, these tables are a traditional Rolls-Royce design cue and finished with a veneered surface with leather-covered backs.

“Ghost is designed to be an escape from the outside world.” Alan Sheppard, Interior Designer

Enhancing the Ghost ambience is an audio system delivering an exquisite experience. 600 Watts of sound are delivered through a 10-channel amplifier and 16 speakers, including two floor-mounted subwoofers. USB and auxiliary inputs allow for the integration of external audio devices and a 12.5 GB hard drive enables storage of music files from USB or CD player sources.

Available as an option with both seating arrangements is Theatre Configuration, which allows all settings that do not directly affect the driver to be controlled from the rear seat. The functions are displayed on two 9.2in LCD screens in the back of the front seats; these can be angled to suit the viewers by a central, armrest-mounted, rotary controller. The screens can be regulated independently of each other and the entertainment can also be listened to individually with most headphones. A six-disc multi-media changer, mounted in the glove compartment, is fitted as part of this option.

When considering a Rolls-Royce car it is usual to think of wood, leather and chrome, but the company has its roots in engineering. The refinement of its end product stems from its engineers’ desire to get the smallest details correct. Long before the interior items are prepared, experts are working to ensure that the chassis components, power trains and bodywork are operating in fluid harmony. This is a world where welds are an art form and craftsmanship exists at a nano level.

Ghost is built around a steel monocoque body, which means there is no separation of chassis and body. The advantage of this construction is a reduction in exterior dimensions while preserving interior space. Consequently while Ghost is 400mm shorter overall than the Phantom saloon its interior space is comparable.

The body has been engineered with a double front bulkhead to help insulate the interior from engine noise. It is constructed from steel sections and then wrapped in steel panels, which are brazed by hand. This allows a near-seamless join, which is then sanded by hand until it is perfect. In total, Ghost’s frame contains 4.9m of seam weld and braze and 6,988 spot-welds. The bonnet and windscreen surround are then honed from aluminium.

“A Rolls-Royce should be graceful in every way: the way it handles, feels and brakes.” Helmut Riedl, Engineering Director

Ghost rides on a bed of air. Double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension work with an intelligent, four-cornered, air-suspension system and electronic variable damping to deliver the refinement that has been associated with Rolls-Royce for more than 100 years.

The new air suspension system in Ghost is so sensitive that it can detect even the smallest of changes. For example, it will sense the movement of a single rear passenger from one side of the seat to the other and compensate accordingly. A complex computer system reads multiple inputs from sensors around the car; the dampers alone make individual load calculations every 2.5 milliseconds. This ensures not only perfect comfort but also precise steering and dynamics for the driver. The air suspension system also incorporates a lift and kneel function, raising or lowering Ghost by 25mm.

Ghost also has a series of complex electronic aids to keep it composed on virtually any surface. These include Anti-Roll Stabilisation, Dynamic Brake Control and Dynamic Stability Control, including Dynamic Traction Control and Cornering Brake Control. These individual technologies work together under dual Integrated Chassis Management systems, meaning that even when subjected to a vigorous test Ghost remains perfectly poised. Its handling and safety systems operate as one, imperceptibly to the driver and passengers, to maintain optimum contact with the road in any condition.

“Our challenge,” says Engineering Director Helmut Riedl, “has been to preserve the prerequisite levels of comfort while delivering the most modern, dynamically interesting drive ever in a Rolls-Royce.”

Ghost is powered by a brand new, 6.6 litre twin-turbo V12 engine, unique to the model. Featuring direct injection, it produces 563bhp – enough to propel Ghost from 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds* and on to an electronically governed top speed of 155mph. With 780 Nm of torque available at just 1,500rpm, delivery of power is immediate and extremely smooth.

Power is transmitted through an eight-speed, shift-by-wire, automatic ZF gearbox. What this achieves is a feeling of endless, surging power, which is illustrated by the power reserve gauge on the fascia, replacing the more common rev counter. The new powertrain delivers this performance while emitting just 317g/km of CO2. Fuel consumption is 20.8 mpg / 13.6 l/100km.*

Safety remains paramount and the very latest technologies are used in Ghost. Side-impact beams in the front and rear doors combine with progressive rear crumple zones to absorb impacts. The Advanced Crash and Safety Management (ACSM) system takes measurements 2,000 times per second from sensors located around the vehicle. The ACSM uses this information – in conjunction with the engine and chassis management systems – to judge which safety features to deploy in which areas in the event of an accident. If necessary, ACSM will activate – among other things – seatbelt pre-tensioners and all encompassing airbags surrounding the cabin, creating a safe zone for all occupants.

A MODERN ROLLS-ROYCEGhost is the most powerful car that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has ever produced. However, Rolls-Royce power is delivered in a very different manner to other cars. It arrives in an elegant, cosseting way that some have described as being designed to lower the pulse, not raise it.

The principle of simplicity extends to the act of driving Ghost. The host of complex engineering software and technologies beneath the surface serve to make driving easier and more enjoyable, not to intrude or confuse.

“Nothing should distract from the pleasure of driving Ghost.” Helmut Riedl, Engineering Director

Ghost is more driver-focused than any Rolls-Royce car before it. The driver sits in a slightly elevated position behind the wheel, described as the authority position. This makes the view of the road much clearer. The fascia has been kept deliberately clear; it is spacious in design and has an intuitive layout. The controls are neatly sculpted, with the more important functions emphasised by accents of chrome. The soft light of the instrument panel glows through the familiar black-rimmed steering wheel, which in turn employs a number of violin keys as well as an ergonomic roller-ball control.

The control centre display is concealed behind a veneered panel until its services are called upon. All features such as satellite navigation, telephone, communication and entertainment functions are displayed here and managed via a central rotary controller, flanked by quick-access buttons on the front centre console.

The optional driver assistance systems and technologies in Ghost are notable for their discretion and ease of operation. From the moment the driver approaches the car, optional Comfort Entry** allows easy access, unlocking the doors when the key fob is within 1.5 metres and the cool chromed handle is grasped. Once you are in the car, voice control allows you to select from the control systems menus without using the central controller.

For ease of manoeuvring, cameras located around the car serve a number of purposes. Rear, front side and top view cameras can combine to give a fish-eye view at blind junctions or provide ground images with obstacle recognition and reverse path prediction when parking.

Positioned discreetly within the grille is a Night Vision** camera. When activated, this safety feature works with Pedestrian Recognition to detect objects up to 300 metres away and display them on the central screen in the dash. The car’s control system receives infrared heat images from the camera and, taking into account the car’s speed and direction, classifies them to assess imminent danger. It then determines what action, if any, needs to be taken and if necessary displays a warning to the driver.

The Head-up Display relays crucial information such as speed or navigation directions onto the windscreen directly in front of the driver. This information is visible only to the driver and can be tailored to show only the details required and at a position suitable to the driver.

Lane Departure Warning** alerts the driver should the car start to drift out of its current lane. When activated, it uses an integrated camera, located just in front of the rear view mirror, to monitor road markings and the vehicle’s position. The driver is warned by a discreet vibration through the steering wheel. If the driver uses the directional indicators before and after the lane change, the wheel will not vibrate.

High Beam Assistance** automatically manages the operation of dipped and main beam lights while driving at night. When activated, the same camera used by the Lane Departure Warning system monitors the light from any source at the front of the vehicle and automatically dips or raises the headlights accordingly. Adaptive, directional headlights also improve illumination of the road ahead and adapt to the road conditions, be they rain or fog or simply when the car is making a turn.

Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go** creates a relaxing driving experience, particularly on long cruising journeys, as action is not required when the car ahead speeds up or slows down, even when coming to a standstill. Active Brake Intervention** also allows hill descent at a constant speed and the car’s Curve Speed Limiter communicates with the car’s Dynamic Stability Control systems to reduce speed on bends if safety and comfort may be compromised.

LEGENDARY CRAFTSMANSHIPRolls-Royce has a reputation for producing cars that transcend the mere automotive. There is a magic attached to the name, which stems in part from exquisite attention to detail and the fine materials used throughout.

Passing through 60 pairs of hands, the production process involves more than 2,000 individual operations and takes at least 20 days to complete.

Ghost shares the same paint shop as Phantom and spends seven days being painted and polished to perfection. Five stages are required for the Ghost body. First a phosphate electro-coat is applied to protect against corrosion, then a layer of primer, a colour coat and finally two coats of clear lacquer. The body is hand-sanded between each layer and once the final coat is applied it is hand-polished for five hours.

Ghost is available in 12 exterior colours, each of which can be contrasted by the optional Silver Satin bonnet.

Flawless leather is an absolute requirement for the interior of a Rolls-Royce. For this reason, our leather is sourced from bulls raised in pastures free of barbed wire, ensuring that there are fewer imperfections in the leather. Any other marks are carefully avoided by our skilled laser cutters. At least eight hides are used for an interior, and to ensure colour consistency, each hide comes from a batch dyed at the same time. The hides are drum-dyed rather than painted, ensuring that the colour permeates right through the leather. The process also means the leather remains much more supple, preventing cracking or squeaking and ensuring durability and longevity. All seats and interior panels are hand-stitched, using traditional upholstering techniques by those most skilled at their craft.

The natural beauty of the veneers in Ghost is brought to life by the skill of dedicated craftsmen and women. The natural burrs and grains are chosen for their intricacy and interest: veneer specialists choose only the finest logs from which these very thin cross sections are taken. Only veneer from one tree is used in any car. This ensures not only that the grain matches throughout the interior, but that each area ages and colours at the same pace. The parts are milled and sanded by hand before being coated with five layers of lacquer for protection and a mirror-like shine.

EPILOGUEGhost is a vision of simplicity – of taking the core values of Rolls-Royce and creating contemporary effortless luxury. Ghost has been engineered to ride and drive in peerless fashion. The chassis’ poise delivers a dynamically engaging experience for the driver, yet a serene, comfortable ride for passengers. Engine power is delivered in a manner which has become an engineering signature, seemingly effortlessly and endlessly. The latest in-car technology falls easily to hand while forming part of the background.

Ghost embodies 21st-century Rolls-Royce: more than 100 years of engineering and design excellence expressed in modern and uncompromised style.

Comments (44)

@vilivo
You are proving to be even more pathetic than I had assumed. Your refrences to anything having to do with finance of any form is that of an adolescent. Once you have acheived some form of maturity you may be able to actually carry on an intelligent conversation. Also you may want to learn how to spell, reference your last post. I noticed that you also had to abbreviate government during your rant, most likely because you were unsure of its spelling. Im not going to perpetuate your child like behavior any longer.

how id**t u r????
i keep hearing this stup*d thing all the time from stupid ppl just like u...
why in the hell wud i always want to own Phantom?? ppl usually whn they buy cars they buy depends wht they can afford. & in my opinion even if i have money to buy Phantom i wudnt cos this one looks way better plus here is the diffrence between them:
Phantom is sort of car u buy it to be Driven in while the Ghost u buy it to Drive it as it is more into the driver,,, end of it

@vilivo
"Many people looked at the Phantom and said this is a beautiful car, now where can I order a new Bentley?. This car is intended to fill that need and recuperate that share of the market"- Tom Purves, CEO of Rolls-Royce said in an interview with ARTV. I agree that the Cayenne has been very profitable, but it has only created a short term success for Porsche whom in the interim has diminished their once prestigious perception. You seem to have difficulty comprehending simplistic bussiness strategy for LONG LASTING SUCCESS. "New Rich"? Really running a bussiness that gross' over 70mil annually that has been passed through generations of my family is considered in your mind to be "new money"? Actually im not surprised because you have proven yourself to be a complete imbecile thus far. Shouldnt you be more concerned with covering your rent and paying your toyota car payment than international financial dealings and products of the RR's caliber?

LOL, and the excess of profanities is a sign of a poor handling of the English language, so, some CEO you are... And If your ROFI is below 15% (which you just confirmed it is), I wouldn't take advice from you on buying a pancake, less so a car. One more thing- if you buy a rolls for a "driving experience", it shows a lack of class- let me guess, you will want to pimp it out, and then go dicing? It goes a long way to show your knowledge of the otoring industry, an as for the payments on my toyota, don worry, the entire fleet of Hino's is fully owned by the company. And as far as the ghost- you are contradicting yourself, it is doing EXACTLY what the Cayenne did, yet the Cayenne is STILL going strong, not a bad judgement - just look at the money they have been, are and will be making. And just by the way, perhaps once you make a few more dollars, before your govt. has to bail you out- you might wanna invest in a Finance degree- you might make some real money then. As I said- I doubt you have any of these exotics, you demeanor reminds me of an argumentative kid, and I don have time for this, I gotta go "pay my rent and my Toyota". Cracks me up...

@vilivo
LOL no its quite typical here in Miami Beach to have an array of exotic automobiles. I currently have a Lamborghini Lp560-4, Bentley Azure and a Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph. The Lamborghini being my prominent vehicle. I think since I make over 8 Million annually net profit I can more than afford a 350,000 dollar Phanton. You clearly miss the most evident fact which is that this vehicle indeed competes with certain Bentley models and that I personally am not a fan of the Phantom due to its overwhelmingly large size for daily usage and brash presence. You obviously arent of the caliber of individual whom can understand much more than Chevrolets business plan. Many manufactures actually value their brands perception and act accordingly with intent to make vehicles within their market. The cayenne is a great example of a failure to do just that and Porsche is in just a great financial place (sarcasm). Exploitation of a prestigious marque is only a short term gain. 1st rule of business dont be short sited. The long term effects of similar stupidity to your thought process can cause irreparable damage. Example Cadillac, Mercedes, Porsche. Its ignorant and unintelligent people like yourself that cause economic recessions like this in the first place. If only Jimmy Carter had not been as short sited as you.

Thank you for that insight, need a tissue now? Look- the Cayenne is likely the most profitable move from Porsche in a LOOONG time, their situation with VW is a matter of corporate maneuvering.Look it up- it might add a few pennies to your income.And since when Merc. too? I thought only grand businessmen got to get involved in such dealings.But I guess that is something, you "new rich" people (if what you say rings true, and that is what you really are), will soon discover about legacy, tradition and pride (not for sale, sadly) and after a few generations, you will also get to see those preferred client lists, to understand my point. Not saying I'm in that sort of position, lest you might be in govt. and decide to bomb us, but I know those lists. And by the way, ask a Rolls employee about Bentley, then you will see why the people stick to the one brand or other - it's a matter of heart, like they have in this odd European game... soccer , was it? Anyway, if you run a business with the client understanding YOU have, I guess there will be a bailout needed.I'm through with this childishness, chew ya gum...

@vilivo What your saying is just ridiculous. Bentley and Rolls-Royce now compete in the same markets. Bentley against the Phantom with the Mulsanne and RR against the Flying spur with the Ghost. You speak of business yet you seem to have little grasp of evident concepts.

And those who buy them are usually restricted to one where you live? I guess you do your exotcis one at a time too- must be the recession... Oh well, where I come from if you have the Flying Spur, you likely have an Arnage, or, now a Mulsanne, you will not have bought a Phantom. But if you have a Phantom, a Ghost makes sense- its part of the reason why on these cars, current customers are offered 1st choice - doesn't YOUR exotic car dealer do that where you live? As I said- the 1st rule of business is to find out who you can exploit or make a profit from, and find out how far you can push it (like the Cayenne did).But I guess I wouldn't much be clear on that topic or I'd be named "LuxuryCarCollectionOwner", but, it's just ol' me... Ps. if you could afford a Phantom easily, you'd have one, because you CAN, and not be sour grapes about it, and for a daily driver you could use another Exotic car, or have you no wheels, as you have been waiting for Rolls to bring this out? If so- use the helicopter, it cheaper for a 6 seater than a Phantom too!!!

Since when are ultra-luxury saloons meant to be driven??? Nonsense, this is just another way to milk the 7-series platform which does not sell as well as it should, and make some stellar profits for it.Its a car everyone with a phantom will want to ALSO have, that is all. And don' compare it to the Bentleys', as it shows your lack of understanding of business- Rolls spent decades making sure that Bentley and Rolls attract diff. markets, and now VW and BMW are following that path, so they can rip as many people off at once as possible- you have to concede, as the chessboard of the motoring industry goes, contrary to popular belief, on the one side of the board sit makers, on the other side sit the doofs with the money to buy.And if you think you matter- WRONG, it's just business...

People allow me to clarify this car is not for people who cannot afford the Phantom. I can more than comfortably afford the Phantom but I dont want to drive a vehicle with such overwhelming presence on a daily basis. I also want to enjoy my driving experience without compromising by driving a vehicle from a lesser brand. A Phantom is mainly for special occasions or for being driven in. This vehicle is for a wealthy individual whom prefers to drive themselves without looking like they cannot comprehend the difference.

The flying spur is still a more sporty ride, sure it's not as comfortable, mainly because they had to reduce weight, but that boat will do 300km/h no problem. The Speed is an awesome car. This is only 300mm shorter than the Maybach 57s. And yes there is a rumour that Maybach will be coming out with a 52s version in 2010 based on the S-Class platform to compete with this and the Continental Flying Spur.